With all of the instant gratification in our modern lives, spending time outdoors helps slow things down. There is no air quite like a big breath of fresh air and the feeling of sunshine on your skin isn’t just warm-- it’s good for your mental health. There’s no computer wallpaper or YouTube video that can compare to the real thrill of a beautiful scenery and it’s amazing how even the simplest wildlife sighting can make your heart skip a beat. Spending time in nature is good for the body, soul, and mind.

If you have nature lovers in your life, the best gifts are ones that tap into their interest in the great outdoors. If you are looking for ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Below are some of our favorite gift suggestions for people who love camping, hiking, and other ways of spending time in nature.

Gifts for Camping

When you need to get around a campsite in the dark, it’s best to have your hands free. If your outdoors loving friend doesn’t already have a headlamp, this is the perfect gift.
If their favorite camping buddy has four legs and fur, camping equipment for dogs is both useful and fun. Look for things like a safety light for the dog’s collar, a doggy sleeping bag, or a backpack that lets Fido help carry the load.
Camping hammocks are perfect for those who love to sleep underneath the stars or if you just want to lounge anywhere you can reach two trees.
There’s nothing that a good cup of joe can’t fix. Make sure your outdoors loving friend gets their caffeine boost with the gift of a camping coffee maker. They’ll be peppy and ready for whatever adventures the day throws at them.
If you are a DIY gifter, a pretty batch of eco-friendly fire starters makes sure they are prepared and ready to make a fire come wind, rain, sleet, or snow.

Gifts for Hiking

Hiking without drinking enough water is extremely dangerous. A backpacking water filter allows them to stay safely hydrated by sourcing drinking water from clean, running streams.
Microspikes strap on to their favorite hiking shoes and add extra grip when the trail gets icy or slippery.
A new pair of compact binoculars allows them to get a bird’s-eye-view of the beautiful scenery without weighing down their pack.
A hiking solar charger uses the power of the sun to discreetly juice their phone while it’s in their pack so it’s prepared and ready by the time they are off the trail.
A satellite locator beacon works where cell phones cannot. While your friend is trekking through the backcountry, they have a pocket-sized device they can turn to in case of extreme accidents or other emergencies.

Other Great Gifts for Outdoors Lovers

A travel journal is a thoughtful gift that allows any outdoors love to explore their Alain de Botton or Henry David Thoreau.
A Swiss Army Knife is a classic gift that taps into our love of nostalgia while also being pretty useful.
An interactive map is the perfect addition to their home where they can log where they’ve been and plot their next adventure.
A waterproof phone case isn’t just good for camping or hiking… it’s great for life in general.
Bird feeders bring a little bit more nature to the backyard so they can enjoy the great outdoors even when stuck at home.

Spending time outdoors is good for the mind, body, and soul. For the nature lovers in your life, look for gifts that tap into their interests while keeping them safe, comfortable, and happy. Campers love things that help out around the site from headlamps to coffee makers to dog-friendly equipment. Hikers get going with useful tools like water filters, binoculars, and personal locators. Of course, for the general outdoors lover, things like travel journals, interactive maps, and bird feeders are great both at home and when on a journey.

About the Author

Neil Stawski believes an informed, engaged public is the only way to save the planet. He created ClimateWise.co to educate the public and encourage people to take action. ClimateWise helps visitors stay up to date on the latest climate change developments--from news stories to information about the latest research to what climate change deniers are doing to mislead the public.